The Basic Ombuds Model

The Basic Ombuds Model (2003)

By Misa Kelly
Future Traditions Foundation

This paper introduces the Basic Ombuds Model, a theoretical tool designed to analyze and compare ombuds systems across institutional types. Developed from a place of both scholarly rigor and creative intuition, the model reduces ombudsing to four essential components—then explores how these components shift when applied in varying contexts.

Misa Kelly draws from her work in economic theory, arts-based inquiry, and peacemaking to invite the ombuds field into a new paradigm: one that honors structure and spirit, form and function.

This paper is foundational for anyone seeking to understand ombudsing not just as a bureaucratic role, but as a living process of ethical engagement. It is part of a body of work that was nearly lost when the UCSB Ombuds Office closed following her whistleblower disclosure—now re-published here as an act of truth-telling and reclamation.

“It isn’t a matter of one view being more appropriate than another, but simply different—flushing out new information… to expand the body of knowledge and understanding.”
— Misa Kelly